• 12:45 pm update: The Canadiens have claimed penalty-kill specialist Blair Betts off waivers, and he’ll play in place of Andreas Enqvist (demoted to Hamilton) against the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday at the Air Canada Centre. The Habs also placed defenceman Jeff Woywitka on waivers; if he’s not claimed, he’s expected to report to the Hamilton Bulldogs. And forwards Aaron Palushaj, Michael Blunden and Ian Schultz have been assigned to the Bulldogs.

A Flyers blogger is sad to see Betts go:

Any Flyers fan can tell you that the power play has been more bad than good over the years. But while the Flyers have been lousy on their own power plays, they have been fairly good at killing those of their opponents. A big reason for that has been Betts. He has anchored the fourth line for a couple of seasons now but really shined when the team was killing penalties. Betts had taken nearly half of the faceoffs when the Flyers were shorthanded. Even through the 2011 preseason Betts looked like he was relishing his role as the penalty killer. I’m a little surprised the Flyers decided to part ways with him.

Betts will make $700,000 this season.

Remember Pierre Gauthier’s nice $4 million salary cap cushion?

The signings of Chris Campoli and Betts plus the demotion of Engqvist bring that down to $1.8 million.

• • •

The Betts signing means demotion for Andreas Engqvist, who did not have a good preseason.

A righthanded faceoff and PK specialist, Engqvist entered training camp with the inside track on winning the specialist role vacated by the departure of Jeff Halpern.

The team announcement:

Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today that forward Blair Betts has been claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Flyers, while forward Andreas Engqvist has been assigned to the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs.
Betts was held pointless in three preseason games with the Flyers, recording 3 shots on goal. In 75 games with the Flyers in 2010-11, the 31-year old centreman registered 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists). One of his goals was tallied on the penalty kill and two were game-winning goals. He added 8 penalty minutes and 51 shots on goal. Since 2001-02, Betts has amassed 78 points (41 goals, 37 assists) in 477 regular season games with the Calgary Flames, New York Rangers and Flyers.
The 6’03’’, 210 lbs forward was the Flames second round pick (33rd overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
In six preseason games with the Canadiens, Engqvist registered one assist. The 23-year old centreman recorded 3 shots on goal.

• • •

With one sleep until the regular-season opener, Pat Hickey asks:“The Canadiens spent seven years convincing Alexei Yemelin that he should be playing hockey in North America, but now that he’s here the question is: Can they keep him here?”

The panic about Cole potentiall playing 3rd line is hilarious. Has this team really been that committed to specific line formations at any time in the last half decade? Are people really shocked that there might some experimentation going on?

The Habs have clearly indicated that they’re aiming for a Top 9 approach. I have little doubt that once Eller returns, he’s likely to be playing with AK and DD, hence this would be the time to try Cole in a different situation (yes, perhaps also to help him adapt to JM’s defensive system – and why not?). He’s not going to be playing Cole 10-12 minutes a game. The man is not a retard.

Agree Gerry, the beauty is we have depth. Different player, but look at Pittsburgh when Crosby and Malkin healthy Staal played third line. Most teams would love to have Staal as 2nd line. That is benefit of depth. We haven’t had this in years.

I don’t think I’d call Betts a plan B signing. Gauthier has a history of trying to avoid overpaying during the free agent frenzy and picking up bargains via wavers or UFA signings. Halpern was an example.

I agree. We all knew PG wanted a solid faceoff man for the fourth line. Speculation about Enqvist filling that spot came from mostly outside the organization, although I’m sure the opportunity was there for him (it is a training camp afterall).

I think PG saw a player that filled a need and he was cheap and took him. I like the move.

White – Betts – Darche

I’ll take that as a fourth. They can do a bit of everything — pop in the odd goal (Darche), handle their own end (Betts) and play energy shifts (White)

Gauthier has a responsibility to the organization to stock it with enough prospects that the team does not find itself two players short a week before the season starts.

Plan A is draft players good enough to be in the NHL. Plan B is sign the guys left over a week before the season begins. It is pathetic when a team cannot promote a 12th forward or 6th defenseman from their minor league.

No, but I was… let me break down my point for you. I was showing you examples of when his production dropped by half from one year to the next in Boston, which can be used to imply that perhaps his drop in production may not be due to the coaching but more related to his inconsistencies on the ice.

Unless you think that the habs’ coaching did irreparable damage to his psyche which has carried over to Boston and now to dallas.

If habs make the playoffs, and have an at least decent post season then I highly doubt that there will be serious heat from upstairs regardless of how many goals they score.

In my opinion, I’d have to say that JM plays a defensive style of smart hockey. Just as described in your sig. Not a lot of players can adjust to this style of game play. (ovechkin last year when bald fattie decided to play a more defensive style). For a more offensive minded game plan we would probably have to give up some aspects of that “smart” hockey that you describe.

Interesting stat: Over the last 4 years Blair Betts has the 2nd lowest goals against average on the penalty kill (among player who’ve played at least 500 minutes). You know who has the lowest? Our own Tomas Plekanec.

In all seriousness, that is very interesting. Makes the pick up all the better. This will be very valuable down the road when the habs will once again be in the top 5 for penalties against.
———————————-

I really hope we’re not top 5 in penalties against. Losing Pouliot and Hamrlik while having Eller and Subban mature a bit should cut down the number of minors we take big time.

However with Betts and Plekanec I think it’s fair to say we’ll have the top PK in the league. We’ve also got elite PKers in Moen and Gionta at forward, while Gorges, Gill and Subban have all demonstrated they’re amazing on the PK. Not sure who’ll be the 4th D on the PK though.

Have to be Spacek until Markov gets back, I’d guess. Doubt Diaz or Campoli would be used in that role.

Another reason I hope we cut down on our penalties. I think Spacek will be a steady presence as a third-pairing dman (and more importantly playing against forwards who play against third-pairing dmen).

Way, way too much was asked of him last year and I would like to avoid a repeat by having him play huge PK minutes.

Agree on Diaz and Campoli not suiting that role. I think of the depth guys on D Yemelin is the best on the PK, but he needs to crack the lineup first. In all likelihood you and Mike are right that it will be Spacek, at least until Markov is ready.

Hey Andrew, can’t reply to your post for some reason. Only concern with Yemelin is…will he be willing to sit in the pressbox? Or would it be better to have him adjust by playing for a bit in the AHL? Or will that mean he can kick in this mysterious KHL clause?

What I like about this trade for the Sens is that they are guaranteed to come in last place for the season. What I don’t like is the possibility of the draft lottery making it all for nothing. Too bad it ain’t likely to happen.

Looks AK46 on the powerplay over Cole too. Have to admit I’m awfully surprised. Apparently Martin says he wants Cole to focus more on his defensive play. But doesn’t that then imply that he’s rewarding AK46 for his….defensive….play?

That doesn’t really seem like JM’s style though, does it? Not that I’m one of his detractors — if anything I’m rather ambivalent toward him. Just doesn’t seem like something he does.

I must admit I find this curious; that said, he did talk early on in the preseason about the importance of having three scoring lines. Perhaps Cole is being put on the third to adjust to the Habs and as a band-aid until Eller comes back (read: compensating for Darche).

AK46-Eller-DD is a line that can score more regularly than AK46-DD-Darche, right?

So what you lose on your first line you gain on your third. Not a startegy I agree with, but the only one I can think of. I’m just worried that Cole doesn’t have a great start (playing on the third line afterall) and then the pressure rains down — from himself and us.

We shall see…..at least we get to warm up against an AHL team tomorrow

From what I’ve heard from JM’s interviews that are usually posted is that no lines are set in stone for this season. He sees 3 offensive lines and it seems quite possible that we’ll see a lot of line altering considering he has so many options to chose from.

I would bet money that not too far in the future we’ll see Cole with Gomer and Gio, and cole with plex and Cammy. And when Larry comes back I bet we’ll see AK Eller and DD again which would probably put Cole back with cammy and plex

Definitely agree, don’t see this as a long-term thing. And when Eller returns that will balance out that line. But I’d still rather see Cole on the Cammy/Pleks line to start the game. Want to see the new piece on display, right??

We committed over 20 million to Eric Cole, and I imagine we didnt commit that kind of money to him to play on the third line, and not play on the powerplay. If this is what I see tomorrow night, JM needs to get his head out of his posterior.

Oh cool, what part of habs management are you involved in?
lmao I’m just kidding I know us fans are part of the team too
Try not to think of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lines. Just think of 3 scoring lines.
JM has a ton of options for the powerplay so in this long 82 game season we’ll see Cole on the PP i guarantee it. And when eller comes back I bet we’ll see cole with plex and cammy (is that first or second line?)

HEy, the money theyre paying Eric cole with comes from the games I attend, the TV advertising from games that I watch, and the merchandise that I buy lol

I dont mind cole on the third at all, and I agree its not the line number, but the minutes of ice time that really count. I think DD, Darche and cole could make an amazing third line.

I just think it sends the wrong message to someone you just acquired, because at the end of the day, the third line is the third line. If you limit his powerplay time on top of it, this relationship is doomed to fail before it even starts.

Cole is the new guy and he was brought in to play top 6 minutes (at least I hope thats the case considering what hes being paid), and AK is the guy who has to prove himself.

You post as well as those that responded to it if infers that Cole deserved the role over AK. Exactly why is that? I am a Cole and AK46 fan but I don’t Cole bowling us over with his play. If anything I would put Cole and AK 46 on the PP with Pleks..

And take Cammy off it? Looks like Pleks is going to be on the point for the PP, or that’s what’s been happening in practice. With DD in the middle and AK and Cammy.

To your point about Cole — yes, I feel that he does deserve it over AK46. He’s a proven scorer in the NHL that we just signed to a fairly expensive long-term deal. In my mind, that spot on the top line is his to lose.

That said, I really don’t expect him to stay on the third line. I imagine this is a temporary thing until Eller comes back — or might not even last a game. Of course, if AK gets really hot as he did at times last season….who knows? But that’s an OK dilemma by me!

Yes! I am pumped for tomorrow’s HNIC opener against the Leafs, and no matter what the guess is for the Montreal Canadiens this season, it is all mere speculation. So with that in mind, GO HABS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Focus. Skate, PP, Steady between the pipes, check, be determined, play with grit but play above 500 hockey because the spring is 82 games away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!Wee!

Campoli and Betts were clearly plan B. Acquiring them this late implies that prospects underperformed in camp. Too many prospects and picks have been squandered on veterans who were not resigned. There is no depth.

Gorges, Subban, Pacioretty and Price are the only players on this roster that are, to me, likely to be re-signed to long term contracts when their current deals expire. The rest of the team is too old or non core.

I think this team has too much money and playing time invested in average players who have hit their ceiling. Without breaking that cycle, the team is destined to remain middle of the pack.

To win, you need to seriously underpay players relative to their talent. The easy way to do that is to win with players who are still on their first or second contracts when they coming into their prime in talent, but prior to their prime earning years. The hard way to do it is to find players off the beaten path who can be had for less than their market value.

The team needs to accumulate younger talent by trading their older talent. To do that successfully, they need to learn how to evaluate talent. That’s the trick.

You don’t go from middle of the pack to contender by adding third and fourth line guys who are over age 30. You trade all your over age 28 players for a grab bag of young talent. If you are good at talent evaluation you become a contender. If you are bad at it, you stop making the playoffs.

Wisniewski and Begin were placeholders. Begin was a cheap placeholder with a very low ceiling who should have been replaced with a prospect with a higher ceiling. Wisnewski was a more expensive placeholder who had no impact the team beyond his 43 regular season games. If the organization had depth, they would have made the playoffs and lost in the first round without him.

In my mind both were short term fixes that good teams do not need. Acquiring low ceiling players is one of Montreal’s most common mistakes. It reflects a lazyness in player development when a coach would rather have an overpaid low ceiling free agent than an internally drafted prospect.

This is the moneyball argument, but narrowed down. I am leery of the argument in general because it completely ignores the value of veteran players and an established team core that provides guidance to the emerging younger players.

Whenever I am in doubt, I consider the team that (Lord love ‘em) are arguably the best run franchise in recent history: the Red Wings. And their biggest strength has been talent evaluation, which would seem to support your idea. The Habs recently overhauled their scouting staff- do you think that this made them better, or worse at evaluating talent? For my part, I am impressed with the pro scouting (which was once awful) for digging up gems like Halpern and Moore.

I edited my reply after you responded to it. Sorry about that. I added some stuff about not going after low ceiling players.

I think Montreal’s pro scouting has been very poor. They have not added an important player through trade in many years. I hope it improves. Their amatuer scouts are pretty good. The disconnect is that they do not know how to develop their players. From what I read, many of the team prospects who failed in Montreal but flourished elsewhere did not understand what was expected of them in Montreal.

Montreal is an average team. Their top six forwards, as a whole, are average top six forwards. The team should have players in the organization who can replace some of them at a fraction of the cost. But for some reason, those players cannot crack the roster and when they do, they rarely succeed. I think that is the fault of the GM and the AHL coaches.

This is not a moneyball argument. Moneyball is about spending less to achieve the same. I am talking about spending the maxiumum to achieve more. Montreal spends to the cap to be in the middle of the pack. Moneyball would say you could do that with $10 million less. I am saying spend all the money but get to the top four in the league.

Veteran Cup winners provide essential support roles to young star players. Recchi comes after Lucic and Bergeron. Madden comes after Toewes and Kane. Guerin comes after Crosby and Malkin.

When a team is a contender they can fine tune by upgrading the last couple spots on their roster. It makes sense at that point to give up some young players for short term gain. But it does not make sense for an average team to give up assets for low ceiling players, especially when those players do not remain with the team. An average team gets better by upgrading their top five roster spots. Upgrading the bottom five spots is senseless churn. The team should have enough minor league depth to seemlessly upgrade the bottom of the roster when needed.

1.8M left on cap, but that’s for a 24 man roster….when/if all healthy one salary will be subtracted when sent down? Or do will the one way contracts of White/Weber still count (if let’s say they are the ones demoted).

also why not put Markov on LTIR to save some cap space? Or will the whole MTL habs world explode if a move like that is done (lol). I say if he ain’t returning for another month then why not save the cap space?

LTIR only saves cap space while the player is out. When the player comes back, all the salary does too. Even for games the player missed. The only way to get season long LTIR savings is if the player doesn’t come back before the playoffs.

@chorske
Actually you can bank cap saving over the course of a season, so being $2mil under until the deadline let’s you add over $5mil in annual cap hit for the end of the season + playoffs. We’re in very good shape, cap wise.
I’m also impressed with our depth at the moment. Outside of Price, Subban and Plekanics is there anyone on the team who’s role is really safe?

I posted further down, Holmgren is not even giving Schenn the chance to earn his bonus, he is saying game 1 into the NHL sorry kid you don’t deserve the chance to earn that bonus. I am no fan of Carter and Richards, but he had a verbal with them no trade before the no trade clause kicked in. Again i understand you have to do some things, but Holmgren apparantly is the same prick of human being that Clarke is and was.

My e-mail to Shannahan!
@NHLShanahan,
Brendon, I have loved you being in our game since you were in junior, you always gave it your all. You have taken on the biggest job for the safety of players in this era in the game. 5year old kids and up are putting their brains and their lives in your hands, and I am so proud of you for doing so.

But if we are going to save bodies and lives by getting contact to head out of our game, then even a one game at minimum for the Campoli hit, would have at the very least sent a message. You dropped the ball here my friend and your credibility has been very badly shaken. Please remember, we have to get it out of the game now. Moms are going to continue to stop putting their 5 year olds in the game.

Shanny’s history with the Red Wings didn’t seem to have an effect on his suspension to Smith, so why would his friendship with Stevie Y? If you’re going to make up a conspiracy theory at least get more creative!

The history of Shanahan and Yzerman’s sexual rendevouz’s are very well documented. As is their highly publicized break up scandal. It’s safe to say Shanahan still has some feelings for Yzerman, and Yzerman, being the charming manipulator he’s always been, realized this and used it to his advantage.

Relax there Ghosts. It’s a spoof. Take it at face value.
I’m not in the habit of being confrontational.
Besides, if I had such a recording, it would have been made more public than on a hockey (war zone) blog site.

Not to nitpick (OK, maybe a little bit :-)), but given that it’s Adam Larsson for the Devils with the puck, perhaps the caption should read “New Canadien Blair Betts in action this pre-season vs. the New Jersey Devils.”
Just a little QA…

Posting from an iPhone leaves you completely disconnected so I’m off. I’ll see y’all when I sit down at my laptop. Great pick up today but I’m curious how quickly he’ll fit in and if he’ll lace up for tomorrows game.

Outstanding depth move by Gauthier here. I think many of us were sad to see Halpern go as he definitely gave it his all, and could come up big in clutch situations. You know, like Glen Metropolit before him.

However, at this point in both their respective careers I think that Blair Betts is a huge upgrade over Halpern. He brings some size, faceoff skill, and penalty killing prowess. Things the Canadiens needed. Sure, if he was a right-handed shot you could check off everything on the list of desirables, but this is pretty darned good at $700k.

This role is, for lack of a better term, an interchangable part. Enqvist wasn’t going to cut it – good for them to look inside for a replacement first – opportunity knocked and Pierre answered the door.

Like his mid-season acquisition of Wisniewski last season, Gauthier is proving quite adept and these little tinker type additions, and this could be one of his best yet.

Halpern signed with Washington for $825k, we pick up Betts for $700k? I’ll take it. Happily.

First off, I like the Betts signing, he will fit in well with our relatively shallow bottom 6, PK and faceoff’s will thank him.

Second, I have always struggled to understand the HUGE emphasis that seems to be put on height and weight stats for NHLers (for those slightly more sensitive: I am not accusing anyone of anything, just a general observation). Just cause someone’s an inch taller or 5 pounds heavier does not make them any tougher or more effective. I would bet money that many of those stats are grossly exaggerated and/or misleading anyway. Two examples come to mind:

1) Wayne Simmonds: listed 6’2″ 183. In reality, 183 lbs on a 6’2″ frame is a skinny dude, however, he is probably tougher than everyone in our lineup.

2) Pound for pound the toughest player in the NHL Brandon Prust: listed 5’11” 195. Throws hard checks and will fight just about anyone, miles tougher than anyone in our lineup.

Personally, I would much rather guys like these in my lineup than simply saying “oh he’s six foot ___, two hundred ___, he’s a beast!”. Our lineup is lacking toughness, not height and/or weight ‘stats’ IMO.

Sure he is young but once markov comes back he is basically our 9th D/ Last forward. I dont really see him moving ahead of Darche, White, Moen, Betts on the 4th line. I know depth is important for injuries.

I just don’t understand the log jam at the 4th line. Also like the Betts move hopefully this will mean less Pleks on the PK keeping his offensive game fresh and gave up nothing.

“I savour it every day, sometimes before practice I’m skating around and I’ll look at the logo on my jersey – I’m playing for the Canadiens!”
– Mathieu Darche

Interesting turn of events with Betts at centre instead of Enqvist. What I like most about this is that PG did something. At times I get the impression he isn’t really watching closely or paying attention (I know I am wrong, just impression) and then he make a little Tweak.

This move could prove fruitful if indeed as preivous posters stated, he can help PK, can centre the fourth line with excellent defensive responsibility and perhaps most importantly will have JM’s trust with his veteran status.

I like the tweak PG made, and I do like the fact it didn’t cost a draft choice. I guess now we know why he wanted 4Mill of capspace for the year, tweaking money.

That’s the funny thing – Gauthier doesn’t snap up the first available person on waivers and people (not you specifically, just some in general) get apoplectic. They see Brian Burke add some 4th line tool and Ron Wilson comes on and says that he’ll be the 2nd line centre, and people blow a gasket wondering why Gauthier hasn’t made an equal move to stay in lockstep with a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since the lockout. I would suspect that people would be absolutely blown away if they only knew how much time & energy a GM and his staff spent doing theirjobs.

I agree RGM. I really liked BG as GM and was dissappointed when he stepped down, I understood why. When PG took over, I looked at him as a guy i new nothing about, and certainly didn’t look at as a guy I would have wanted BG to hire either. However, my respect for Gainey in handpicking made me realize i had to give him a chance. At times I just get the feeling his philosophy is different from what I wish it to be and I feel it is different from that of BG. But then end of day he goes and does a thoughtful move and suddenly I am back to quietly respecting the man.

I also liked Gainey in the role. Though he didn’t speak often, when he did his voice carried the authority that one would come to expect from a multiple time Stanley Cup winner and one of the toughest SOB’s to ever play the game. I had and continue to have an enormous amount of respect for him.

Gauthier has that same quietude about him. Obviously he doesn’t have the “been there, done that” strength that Gainey had but he was well-groomed for the job and has done well in the enormous pressure-cooker that is Montreal. He made what would have to be possibly the most unpopular decision since Roy was traded when he made the move to send Halak to St. Louis and stand by Carey Price. Speaking as a Price fan, I was preparing for him to be the one traded and was having to figure out how that would affect my rather impressive if I do say so myself collection. LOL

I would say that under the circumstances he’s faced, Gauthier has made more right moves than wrong ones.

Not to sound like a douche but… How hard do you think bruins’ trollers would laugh at us getting all wishy-washy over a few defecting posters who had their feelings hurt and couldn’t stand the heat. they would compare us to our team. Soft. Get over it y’all. Move on! Next!

I am really happy to see Cole on the 3rd line and Yemelin in the stands.

Not because it’s a good hockey decision – it’s idiotic. But because it spells the end of Jacques Martin with the Habs.

It makes Gauthier look really bad. Gauthier’s 2 major achievements this summer were signing Cole (for the first line) and convincing Yemelin (a regular on the Russian national team) to finally move to North America.

After a few pre-season games Martin (never won anything in hockey in case you forgot) essentially dismisses both players. What he is saying to Gauthier is thanks but no thanks.

The Habs are unsettled. They will start the season very poorly. And that will be all the excuse Gauthier needs to get rid of him.

It may be, as pointed out elsewhere on this site, that Diaz has adjusted to the smaller ice surface faster than Yemelin, and, that once the gap narrows, Yemelin will fit right in. Time will tell. Believe me, I’m no fan of JM, for the same reason you mention, line juggling, but, for now, he’s the man.

Okay I’m confused, I thought those two were both oblivious fools who didn’t want to win anything and were colluding against the team, now you’re saying JM has become a rogue agent in their war to make the Canadiens a bad hockey team and is not following PG’s plan to make the team terrible?

Not intending to saying PG/JM are “colluding against the team”. I don’t think it hurts to point out that, when JM unleashes the speed and skill of the Habs, as he does occasionally, against the Bruins, for example, they are too much for the Bruins to handle. Maybe he gets that, because he employs it to advantage most notably against the hated Bruins. Problem is, it’s not something that we as Hab fans get to see enough of, because his coaching style is more defense first orientated in general. Plus, I know when he coached Ottawa they were one of the highest scoring teams in the NHL during his years there. Suffice to say, he had a very talented team to deal with, which may have distorted stats to his advantage. It’s just that between JM’s defense first mentality, and, his constant line juggling, it is frustrating to see that the potential of the current Hab lineup, is being compromised. So, I wonder aloud, if a coach that unleashes the offensive potential of this team would have even MORE success? That’s all. JM has had a good run, better than I tought at the time of his hiring. In addition, I think he was the right guy under the circumstances. However, much has changed since then, and, I personally, would like to see more of the flashes of brilliance we see out of the Habs, when they are allowed to bring an offensive speed and skill game. They now have the guns needed to play that style, they just are not allowed to as often as some of us would like to see. I think that it’s that I’m in the age group that remembers the Habs of the 70’s, so I miss that run and gun game. Nuff said.

hmmm interesting take on it HF72. I have to give that perspective some thought. I will say that I think Game 1 line combinations will probably be much different by game 5. But you make a point I didn’t consider.

Gauthier’s 2 major achievements this summer were signing Cole (for the first line) and convincing Yemelin (a regular on the Russian national team) to finally move to North America.

I think I agree with you about Cole, but not about Yemelin. IANANHLGM, but I’d bet he’d list his biggest achievements as Cole, Markov, Gorges. The Yemelin thing is more about finally determining whether the Habs might ever see a return on their investment in Yemelin (and by “investment” I mean “using a draft pick”).

That said I am mystified by Cole on the 3rd line as well. Alls I can say is that ol’JM is known for his line Tweaking. I suspect that such Tweaking will occur during game 1.

This is the best habs team, on paper, that ive seen in years. If we stumble out of the gate, I dont know how PG can afford not to replace JM. The only problem is, what other good coaches are out there?

Love it. Team hasn’t played a single regular season shift and you’re condemning the move. Let’s at least give at one period. If the Cole line is -3 and Yemelin is throwing paper airplanes from the rafters, you may be on to something. Until then, it just sounds like more noise from the anti-Martin crowd.

WOW!! I always liked Betts. I never thought he would be available as a waiver, never, mind in a trade, etc. So. I wonder what the problem with him became? Is it a salary dump/cap situation, or, did he just become expendable? If it’s the latter, why? In any case, it’s a good move by PG, for a player who i always thought was hard to play against, and, apparently is great on the draws. It certainly makes for some interesting line possibilities, and, whose the odd man/men out? I still love the heart of a guy like Darch, but, Ryan White HAS to play this year, believe me, he is ready. The Habs depth level just took a dramatic leap for the better. Interested to hear everybody’s take on this one…Go Habs!!

Getting betts was a huge steal in my opinion. Max talbot and the play of matt read was the reason for the flyers having waived betts. What a good, but obvious move by gauthier. Also, brayden got sent down to reduce the effect of his bonus against the salary cap. He’ll be recalled immediately. What happens with weber now?

That is true. There’s a playing time bonus in his contract that says if he plays xx minutes in all 82 games he gets an extra $1.xxM bonus. So by sitting him out for one game they knock a bunch of money off the books. Cheap and scuzzy thing to do but hey, it’s the Flyers.

Why give the kid that in his contract if you are not even going to give him the chance by shipping him out game 1. Looks like Holmgren is continuing the legacy of Prick GM’s in Philly. I never respected Richards, but the whole trading of those guys before the no trade kicked in, while giving verbal it wouldn’t happen, kinda dodgy.

I read they’re sending him to the AHL just to avoid any chance of him attaining one of his bonus’. Apparently, in his deal if he plays 25 minutes a game for 82 he gets a HUGE salary bump (even though the odds of winning the lottery are better than that happening). Even though its unlikely to happen, I think the potential bonus has to be applied against the cap. By sending him down for a game, it will completely nullify the bonus, and it wont have to be put against the cap.

Quick word on this; it’s like walking into a bar when there’s been a fight the night before and your buddies are banned:
Sorry to see HH gone. Differing opinions are always welcome, and he could take a joke.
MJ, didn’t really know you.
Bugs, where did it all go wrong? Didn’t see you get involved. Going to miss our repartee.

As for the rest of yez, don’t let the small stuff get to you. People are and will be dumb. I’ve said some dumb things in my time too, but it all boils down to getting up and walking away. See, that’s the difference between the internet and a bar. You can leave your computer and take your drink with you.

Don’t be a sh!t disturber, and don’t be easily disturbed.
Then we can all have a laugh.

Most unfortunate thing to happen right before the start of the real season. I was under the impression we were all (well, mostly) Habs fans here but obviously some of us are our own worst enemies. Sure would be nice if the guidelines for civilized debate were followed more often; while these firefights can be entertaining at times they are ultimately distracting us from the real reason we all come here, to express our opinions in a respectful, measured manner. It’s a real shame anyone feels they have to give up what is essentially a source of great information and, on occasion, good-humoured banter.

In other words the cushion doesn’t exist– unless one of the big money guys misses significant time on LTIR. The lack of cap space is fine at this stage of the season where the FA crop has long been picked clean… but it was kind of nice knowing that 4$M plus was there to make a big splash in February.

Amazing how many people are so focused on the 4th liners we could have had.

I endured 5 minutes of Tony Marinaro going on and on about how the habs should have acquired Steckel, as if Steckel was the make it or break it player for the habs to win the cup, before i switched stations. I actually dont even know how this guy is still employed by the team 990. He used to be really good, but for the last year I find he just drones on about completely insignificant issues, plugs his buddies business’ all day, and has a serious, yet completely unwarranted, superiority complex.

A) No point in focusing on players that were acquired by other teams and b) we’re talking about the 4TH LINE!

This site desperately needs the season to start so people have something else to talk about.

Its more that he’s a great faceoff guy, and that he can kill penalties to lessen the load on Pleks. And he’s 6’5. But Betts fills that role as well so it worked out, but between the two I would rather Steckel personally. No big difference I’d say.

The 4th line is important….depth is why the Bruins won the cup, when injuries happen (not if…but when) guys end up being moved up the depth chart and those supposedly meaningless 4th liners take on more responsibility…this usually ends up happening by seasons end after a long, gruelling shcedule, and in the playoffs…the two most important times. The Canucks healthy were better than the Bruins….the B’s had depth…the Canucks were beat up and had noone left……the 4th line matters more than one may think. With the cap, the way both ends of the ice are played, with top players often killing penalties due to the increased importance of special teams anymore,etc…the 4th line is not like it used to be….it is important…..the teams that manage the cap are able to have solid 4th lines.

Gotta say, I thought Cole was aquired to play with the smaller forwards on the first or second line, with Patches playing on the other line’s wing. Nice to have this dilema I guess, it a luxury Hab fans aren’t used to.

When (if?, don’t say it), Markov comes back I think they’re solid. I know there is a lot of backlash against Spacek, but I really think he was asked way too much last season. As a 5th or 6th dman, playing against 3rd and 4th lines, he’ll be very solid.

…Blair Betts ? …good work PG
…more MEAT in Our sandwich !
…Cole, Patches, AK (if We can wake Him up !), Yemelin (once He has adapted), Gill, Moen (now that He has others to back Him up), a possible more aggressive Eller
…by Jove, I think Our Cake is ready to come out of the oven !

The nice thing about Betts is that he’s got extremely low PIM numbers. Big body, uses it well, good faceoffs. Probably an upgrade defensively on Halpern, and Cole easily takes over the scoring void left by Halpern.

Blair Betts is 6′ 3″ and 210 lbs. Great pick up to ad to 4th line, PK and shot blocker.

PG is putting the final touches to start the season. When this Habs team gets healthy, the Habs will be a force to reckon with. Scott Gomez has some company on who is going to score more goals this season. Who do you pick Gomez or Betts? Go Habs Go!!!

Good to hear Ian your back posting on HI/O. A speedy recovery before the start of season is what the Doctor (Wife) ordered. Well Done my friend!! That’s the spirit!!Bring er on!! Get er Done!!

Whats with the sudden nostalgia for Bugs? He hasn’t posted regularly on HIO for a donkey’s age. And his posts of late didn’t even relate to hockey. The result was general irritation on both sides.

As for HH and MJ, alls I can say is that if you dish it out, you must be willing to take it. If you can’t take the heat, don’t dump gas on the fire and accuse others of being firebugs. It’s unfortunate they are leaving, but *shrug*. This site has survived far greater defections (Robert L, JT) and it is sad to see some great posters visit us less often (thinking of YOU, Mr Kerley). But posters come and go and it’s hard for me to get too excited about a couple of guys who are leaving the sandbox in a huff with their toys.

Great move to get Betts. Not only has he lead Philly forwards in 4 on 5 ice time the past two seasons, he also has been the least scored on forward both years. Betts average over a full minute more of sh ice time per game last year than Halpern. Good news for Tomas.

Is it weird that the one website staffed and run entirely by Canadiens’ beat writers is the only one that hasn’t announced the Betts signing? Not in the sense that it isn’t true, but more, shouldn’t they be the first to know?

Wow ….the season hasn’t begun and this site has already lost Bugs,Hard Habits and MJ too a wannabe circle of Hockey writers who’s only problem is they know NOTHING BOUT THE GAME except for pie charts and insults .These 3 have been fantastic in their counter viewpoints and will always be remembers by me as fine fellows who really know the game of Hockey and their team the Montreal Canadiens. Not only are the Habs shrinking before my eye’s but so are the great posters on this site….shame!

I’ve been on the site for about three years now and I don’t post as often as I’d like but its mostly because I only like to post when I feel I have something to contribute to the discussion. A lot of people on here seem to feel the opposite way and just post to see their names on the site.

Guys like Bugs and HH are a big part of the site. Its crazy to see how many quality posters have disappeared over the years. I always liked Bugs berating everyone and then backing up his comments with legit knowledge of hockey. Hardhabits, one of the driving forces behind Tweaking™…Sad to see guys like that go but I’m sure they won’t stay away long.

Bugs has seemed like a shell of himself ever since he got into that big argument with a poster towards the end of last season. The argument where the poster challenged bugs to a fight lol

Hey Christopher “my Habs bro from another mother” ,HH has just left the building and MJ ‘s not far behind and well, haven’t seen much of the rabbit since the 9/11 beat-down banter on HIO in the off season….The AB gang insulteers have done it again! Long live the pie-chart borg!

HH, David—Take a deep breath, we are all emotional and passionate on here, about our sport, team and how we all think the winning style of play should be. One thing to remember is, you can never know, the state of a persons mind while they are in their own home posting on here.

Please do not take things on here to personal my friend, people use HIO for many purposes, some while drinking, doing dope and who knows what crises in their life is occurring. Ignor the rude, loud and crude.

Always remember, you win and you can not get two minuets when disciplined with no response.

Get back in the saddle here with some of the HAB nut bars like myself and enjoy. And besides, you owe me a beer at Hurley’s Summit night!

Went over to a Philly’s board, and while most agree Betts is on the decline, and might be an issue with past shoulder injury, they mostly all agree he is a great 4th line center, good faceoff, great PK player and shot blocker.

But – but, damnit! – showin’ up at trainin’ camp with a wee l’il gut wasn’t helpful. This isn’t about specifics regardin’ physiology, or anythin’ of that ilk, it’s about the message he was sendin’.

How hard would it have been to shed the weight durin’ the two weeks leadin’ up to camp? Really. How much effort would that have taken from a 25 year-old pro athlete?

So much of what it takes to make it to the NHL resides in the head. How many talented guys never make it and how many middlin’ talents do?

In my little world, that’s why the gut matters.

Still, Yemmy’ll be fine. The kid’s never played an NHL game; kinda early to be throwin’ him under the bus. He’ll adapt and adjust, his mindset will get a Tweak™ or two, there’ll be the inevitable Allo-Police photo spread with him allegedly shootin’ up speedballs with a John Belushi-lookalike transvestite ho’, but, in the end, Yemmy’ll be fine.

“To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.”

Don’t know about you, but when I read that passage from In Flanders Fields and am filled with thoughts of duty and honour, two words always come to mind: Sean and Avery.

The fact PG has not picked this spectaculational wonderment off the waiver wire is a complete mystery to me. Why, the long shadow of greatness he casts would handily eclipse that of the dilettantes and mere pretenders to the throne like Morenz and Beliveau, Lafleur and Roy.

I’m just thinkin’ outside the box here: Could the Habs org not un-retire all those hardly worthwhile jerseys and entice Avery with the promise of #12345791012161819232933 festooned from elbow to elbow?

Buh-bye Sean.

Speakin’ of Roy, I read the Fisher article to see if he could help himself. Alas, no. See, in Red’s world, Roy deserves all the accolades he’s received, includin’ this most recent one, but is far too filthy to have had his #33 raised to the rafters. Fisher reminds us of this unhealthy fixation of his every year, year in and year out.

Like clockwork.

Oh, but Red does go out of his way to tell Roy he actually does like him, as if Patrick or anyone else really gives a flyin’ rat’s ass.

Good thing Red Fisher isn’t the league’s head disciplinarian. His ditherin’ and triangulation would make Colin Campbell appear almost Gandhiesque by comparison.

I took my son to Roy’s jersey retirement game. It was an epic moment. We both shed a tear.

Time to wipe those Swifty Lazar specials clean, gain some focus and perspective, and get over it, Red.

Interesting to read the replies to the Globe and Mail article on the Malone HIT. Hab and non-Hab fans seem to unanimously agree that Shanahan dropped the ball….only the reasons why varied. So much for all the bias some of us have been accused of on this site.
It reads more like a Hab homer site than this one does.
Hmmmmmmm…………………….

The only explanation for shanahan not giving a suspension is the Yzerman connection.

I dont know, but when you’re trying to clean up the game, and trying to send a message, you figure that you would give at least one game for a play that you deem to have been an extremely tough decision.

Maybe, but Betts was a gift from the Flyers that their fans are left scratching their heads as to why they lost ‘im. Habs get him for half price and depth on the habs is a good thing (remember the great plagues of 2010?)